This pair of cats is Dehua Ware or Blanc de Chine. Early eighteenth century.
At the time, such figures were thought to ward off poverty. Probably thought to discourage rodents like the cat night lights from the same period. Apparently, these were also the perfect gift for an eightieth birthday celebration. Now you know what to get.
While only one is illustrated, P. J. Donnelly discusses a similar pair in his book “Blanc de Chine” published in 1969 by Praeger New York. In it he describes them as possibly unique. Pre-internet, no one knew how much might be out there. They come up online both recognized and not from time to time. I was fortunate to find an unrecognized pair.
I suspect some out there may be fakes. I have seen and examined a pair that while very close to the one in Donnelly’s book, differ in many details. Those type can be listed for tidy sums as well. Perhaps they too are ‘real’ and my fears unfounded. All I can say is my pair appears consistent in detail with the one illustrated and discussed in Donnelly’s book where those others are not.
Each is press moulded porcelain with sprigged, carved and incised details. One has thick drops of red sealing wax up inside suggesting it once had an export seal.
16.4 cm and 18 cm in height.
